SABRES SIGN NICK CRAWFORD

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed defenseman Nick Crawford to a three-year entry level contract. The Sabres selected Crawford in the sixth round (164th overall) of the 2008 Entry Draft.

Crawford (6’1”, 183 lbs., shoots left, 2/23/1990) led all Ontario Hockey League defensemen in scoring this season, finishing with career highs in points (70), assists (59) and goals (11) in 68 games with the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit. Crawford was named to the OHL’s First All-Star Team, and finished second in voting for the OHL’s Defenseman of the Year. In addition, Crawford was selected as the league’s Best Offensive Defenseman in the annual OHL Coaches Poll.

“We’re pleased to have Nick signed to a three-year contract,” said Regier. “He’s made tremendous progress since we drafted him two years ago in the sixth round, and we look forward to him having a bright future with the Buffalo Sabres organization.”

Among all Canadian Hockey League blueliners, Crawford was fourth in points; second in assists; and his plus-51 trailed only the plus-56 posted by Colby Robak of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.

The 20-year-old Crawford also added 12 assists in 17 playoff games as Barrie advanced to the OHL Championship Series before being eliminated by Windsor.

A native of Brampton, Ont., Crawford registered 140 points (23+117) in 264 career OHL games with Barrie and Saginaw.